Elizabeth Newman

Elizabeth C. Newman (nee Carter) was born in 1921 near Dothan, Alabama. She moved to exciting New York City at age 17. As a young adult, she studied clothing design and became a seamstress in upscale women’s clothing stores.

World War II played a significant part of her early adulthood. Elizabeth was a Rosie the Riveter, sewing soldier’s uniforms in a factory during a time of rations and black outs for air raid precautions. She married Judge Newman, a sergeant in the army.

In the late 1940’s, Elizabeth and Judge moved to Cleveland, Ohio. She was followed by her brother, Woodrow, and his family in the early 1950’s. They remained in close contact, celebrating all holidays and events together. His children became an integral part of her life.

Elizabeth worked as a seamstress for Bon Wit Taylor in downtown Cleveland, working on wedding dresses till her retirement. During her life, she prided herself on always being fashion conscious, always aware and practicing high fashion with a meticulous and keen sense of design.

She and her husband were early patrons of the then young, Bethany Christian Church in the early fifties.  They remained active supporters many years.  In her most senior years she became a member of Heights Christian Church.

Elizabeth was forever social, headstrong, outspoken, and capable. Full of spunk, she was always engaged in some activity.

Aiming for 100, she witnessed many historical and cultural events in her 99 years. Still driving till age 97 and walking until January 2020, she always strove to remain mobile as long as possible. She passed away June 4, 2020 at home with her niece Regina by her side.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Judge Newman in 1990, and brother, Woodrow in 2015 (Bernice 2019). She is survived by 3 nieces, Regina, Rita and Sheryl, and 3 nephews, Julian, Dan and James.

The family thanks all for their acknowledgements and sympathy as we celebrate the life and the spirit of Elizabeth Newman.

A public visitation will be held at Brown-Forward Funeral Home on Thursday, June 11th from 10:30-11:30am.  Masks and social distancing required.  A family only graveside service will be live-streamed to this obituary webpage on Thursday, June 11th at 12pm.